Gold coin commemorates Port St. Joe’s 100th birthday

A commemorative coin, die-struck in brass and gold-plating will soon be available for purchase to serve as a reminder for the upcoming 100th birthday of Port St. Joe.

Wes Locher

A commemorative coin, die-struck in brass and gold-plating will soon be available for purchase to serve as a reminder for the upcoming 100th birthday of Port St. Joe.

To honor the July 1 birthday, a week-long celebration full of activities and events will be held across the town.

In October, Mayor Mel Magidson appointed several committees to brainstorm and coordinate the events.

He sought out people whose families were steeped in the history, background and culture of the town.

“They’re all hard workers and familiar with the area,” Magidson said.

One of the committees, headed by City Auditor and Clerk, Charlotte Pierce was asked to come up with the perfect memento that locals could buy and pass down through future generations to remember the birthday.

Other coins have been donated to the city which served as inspiration for the centennial token.

One historic coin celebrated 100 years since the signing of the Florida Constitution, marked 1838 to 1938. Another commemorated Florida’s sesquicentennial of 75 years in 1988.

Pierce noticed that both historic designs featured the Constitution Monument seen in the Constitution Convention Museum State Park and decided to keep with tradition.

Bids were taken from designers and ultimately The Pin Center was awarded the project.

Seven ideas were sent over for the committee to review and they were whittled down until just one remained.

“The colors went well together and complimented one another,” said Pierce of the final design.

The two-inch gold coin highlighted with blue, features the constitution landmark on one side and the state of Florida on the reverse. A star marks the location of Port St. Joe.

Magidson explained that the purpose of the coin was two-fold. It would help raise funds for the upcoming centennial celebration and would serve as a memento to commemorate the important event.

“Port St. Joe has been around for a long time,” said Magidson. “This coin lets us commemorate history and our significance within the state.”

The coin supply is limited to 1,500. Each will cost $15 and come with a velvet storage bag. Those who wish to purchase a coin and support the centennial celebration can visit City Hall.

Local merchants will also have them in stock soon.

Pierce and Magidson have been hard at work planning the celebration and hope that the town will enjoy the activities they’ve worked hard to coordinate.

“We’re looking forward to the events. It’s going to be an awesome week and we thank everyone for their support,” said Pierce.

The Port St. Joe Centennial Celebration will take place June 28 through July 4.